The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has introduced a new rule requiring proof of Japanese language proficiency for foreign nationals engaging in customer-facing roles under the residence status “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (E/S/I).”
This requirement applies to positions that involve direct communication in Japanese, such as interpreters and hotel front desk staff. The rule will take effect on April 15, 2026, and applicants will be required to submit proof of Japanese proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 or higher (CEFR B2 level).
The following conditions are considered equivalent to CEFR B2-level Japanese proficiency:
- Holding JLPT N2 or higher
- Scoring 400 or above on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test
- Residing in Japan for 20 years or more as a mid- to long-term resident
- Graduating from a Japanese university, or completing a program at a technical college or a vocational school (specialized course or advanced course) in Japan
- Completing compulsory education in Japan and graduating from a Japanese high school
This rule aims to prevent illegal employment, such as assigning foreign workers to roles that do not match their visa status.
On the other hand, individuals who meet certain conditions—such as graduates of Japanese universities, long-term residents (20+ years), or those transitioning from student status—may be exempt from submitting proof of language proficiency.
In addition, since March 2026, both dispatching and receiving companies have been required to submit a written pledge confirming that foreign workers will not engage in activities outside their authorized status, further strengthening regulatory enforcement.
By Hajime Saito
X: @hajimesaitoYJC
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